HOW DOES CAT 3 RECOVERY CLEANUP, REPAIR, & RESTORE WATER DAMAGED PROPERTIES?
The ultimate goal of water damage restoration is to return your home or business to its pre-flood condition. This includes a series of steps designed to remove all traces of water, moisture, and bacteria from your property and repair any damage the flooding may have caused.
Water damage cleanup is vital because it prevents mold growth, which is a problem you never want to have! Mold exposure can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions. Sometimes, it can even lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.
The process includes:
Water Damage Inspection and Assessment
One of our certified water damage remediation technicians in Fort Myers will come to your property to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. During the inspection, they look for any visible signs of water damage and identify the source of the flooding.
They use special moisture meters to check for hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors. With extensive flooding, our technicians evaluate the extent of the damage to determine what safety measures are necessary, such as gas shut-off valves and electrical disconnection.
Water Extraction
The next step is to remove all the water from your property. We accomplish this with powerful pumps and vacuums. We remove standing water first and then extract any remaining water from carpets, upholstery, and other porous materials.
Depending on the extent of the flooding, it can take several days to remove all the water and dry out your property. Our equipment uses a portable generator and can operate 24/7, so we can work around the clock to get rid of all the water as quickly as possible.
Disposal and Storage of Water-Damaged Belongings
Once all the standing water has been removed, we remove any damaged materials from your property. This includes wet drywall, insulation, flooring, and fixtures. We also remove any items the water has damaged, such as furniture and electronics. The longer these sit on your property, the more likely they will develop mold and mildew, which can contaminate the air and cause health problems.
Structural Drying
After removing all the water, it’s time to start the drying process. We use industrial-strength dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure your property is completely dry. The goal is to lower the humidity in your property to prevent mold growth, which can occur in as little as 24-48 hours after flooding.
Another method we may use is a drying chamber, which speeds up the drying process. By sealing off and pressuring these chambers, we force the warm air into areas needing it and remove the moist air.
Cleanup & Disinfecting
Once your property is dried out, our water damage restoration contractor cleans all surfaces using safe and effective cleaning products. This step removes any dirt, dust, or debris the flooding may have left behind. Our IICRC-Certified technicians will also disinfect your property to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
These products are safe for people, pets, and the environment, but strong enough to kill germs, bacteria, and mold spores. If the source of flooding was sewage, we also use special cleaners and disinfectants to remove any harmful contaminants.
Repair
The last step of water damage remediation is to make repairs. This may include replacing drywall, rebuilding floors or ceilings, and repainting. We’ll remove any wet drywall and replace it with new drywall. We’ll repaint any walls or ceilings that were damaged by water. We may also need to install new insulation if water damages the old insulation. Our technicians can also make any other repairs that may be necessary, such as replacing water-damaged window frames or repairing gutters. If your floors or ceilings are damaged, we can rebuild them using new materials. We may also need to reinforce the floor joists or ceiling rafters for additional support.